"Mist Village... is it the Kaguya clan?"
Uchiha Hikari's mind raced.
In the original storyline, the Kaguya clan launched their rebellion around this time.
That's why she had previously considered making a trip to the Land of Water to bring back Kimimaro. After all, following this rebellion, the Kaguya clan was nearly wiped out. Without outside intervention, Kimimaro might also perish under the pursuit of the Mist Village's Anbu.
On the other side, Orochimaru was slightly surprised. "So, Lady Hikari has informants in the Land of Water as well?"
"Guess."
Uchiha Hikari's "informants" were actually from a manga artist in another world.
But there was no need to explain that to Orochimaru.
When dealing with a subordinate with such ambition and ability, it was better to maintain an air of mystery and unpredictability.
Orochimaru didn't dwell on the topic and gave a concise explanation:
The Mist Village was indeed on the brink of internal conflict.
But the situation had shifted slightly.
In the original timeline, the Kaguya clan's rebellion was mainly due to the Blood Mist policy. During Obito's reign over the Mist, he had near-madly purged the village's various kekkei genkai clans. First, the Yuki clan was exterminated, and then the Kaguya, Hozuki, and Terumi families faced repeated suppression. Anyone with a bit of foresight could see that clan annihilation was only a matter of time.
In this timeline, Obito had tried to divert internal tensions by launching attacks on the Leaf Village—a clever move, albeit a desperate one.
But... both attacks failed.
The Mist Village had sent the Kaguya clan as the main force in both operations. The first time, they clashed with Uchiha Hikari; the second time, they ran into Shisui. Not only did they lose many members, but they also gained nothing—no spoils, no glory. Instead, they were questioned by the Leaf Village and the Land of Water's daimyo, leaving them in a mess.
As a result, the Kaguya clan's dissatisfaction with the Mist Village's leadership exploded. Their clan head, Kaguya Hiromitsu, openly expressed that the current Mizukage was incompetent and declared his desire to take over, vowing to make the Mist Village great again.
The rebellion hadn't happened yet.
But based on reports from spies mentioning the Kaguya clan's recent movements to gather their members, Orochimaru believed they might launch an uprising soon. So, he decided to head there in advance.
"…I have some assets in the Land of Water that might be affected by this unrest, so I'd like to temporarily leave the Sound Village to handle things.
Don't worry, Lady Hikari. During this time, I'll leave a shadow clone behind to continue researching a cure for Lady Eri. Karin and Jugo can also train under my clone for now. Once things in the Land of Water are settled, I'll return as soon as possible."
That's what Orochimaru said.
Uchiha Hikari's expression turned a bit odd. Are you sure you're just going to manage your assets and not kidnap a child?
Of course…
It's possible Orochimaru's plan to take Kimimaro wasn't premeditated but rather a decision he'd make after arriving in the Land of Water and assessing the situation. So, he might not even know his own intentions yet.
"How long will you be gone?"
"About a month and a half."
The Mist Village, located in the distant Land of Water, was separated from other nations by vast seas. Even with a ninja's speed, the journey there would take about a week. Including the return trip and the time needed to handle things, a month and a half was already quite fast.
Uchiha Hikari pondered for a moment. "…Alright, go ahead with peace of mind."
Seeing her swift agreement, Orochimaru seemed to relax, bowing in thanks before mentioning Jugo.
"That boy can be brought along for your research, under the same conditions as Karin and her mother."
Uchiha Hikari agreed readily once again.
With both of his goals achieved, Orochimaru gave a slight bow of gratitude and turned to leave.
Uchiha Hikari, meanwhile, narrowed her eyes, a playful glint flashing through them. She had approved Orochimaru's leave, but she never said she wouldn't go to the Mist Village herself.
Since both of them were targeting the Kaguya clan, it was a race to see who would act faster.
Creak—
With the sound of the door turning, Uchiha Hikari returned to the house she shared with Eri.
As soon as she looked up, she saw Eri soaking in the bathtub, blowing bubbles and playfully poking at a little yellow duck floating on the water, a relaxed and content look on her face.
"…How did your clothes end up scattered everywhere again?"
Uchiha Hikari shook her head, walking over to pick up the strewn skirt and underwear, dusting them off and placing them on a chair. "Eri, do you want to go back home for a bit?"
"?"
Eri froze for a moment, then turned her head, looking a bit anxious as she glanced around for her notebook.
Splash—
Seeing the girl stand up in the tub to grab her notebook, Uchiha Hikari quickly stepped forward, handed it to her, and gently pushed her back into the water. "If you want to say something, just raise your hand. I'll get it for you. Don't keep running around without clothes—what if you catch a cold?"
"Eri has a strong constitution. I won't catch a cold."
Eri scribbled a few lines, held up the notebook, then lowered it to write more. "Does Hikari not want me to stay here anymore?"
"No, it's just that I have some dangerous things to take care of."
Uchiha Hikari paused. "And you've been away from home for quite a while now. Aren't you worried about your brother and father?"
"It's fine. I left a note."
"A note…"
Uchiha Hikari suddenly thought of something. "Wait, when you came here, did you not tell your brother or anyone in person?"
Eri shook her head. "No."
"Hmm…"
Hikari could probably guess the situation at the Uesugi family now.
In the eyes of Uesugi Etsu and the others, Eri had likely been whisked away by her, the "White King," into Nibelungen again.
For now, Uchiha Hikari took out a universal capsule and checked its contents. "You brought one more dose of the serum, and with Dr. Brief's suppressant… it should last about a week without issues. Once I'm back from the Land of Water, I'll take you home. I also happen to have some things I'd like your brother and the others to help with."
With Hikari's reassurance, Eri's face lit up with a bright smile. She raised her notebook again: "I like Hikari the most! (∩_∩)"
"Heh…"
Caught off guard by the girl's radiant smile, Uchiha Hikari let out a small, helpless sigh.
…
The next morning, Orochimaru left a shadow clone behind and set off from the Sound Village.
A little later, Uchiha Hikari gave some instructions to Karin and her mother, left a shadow clone in the village, and set out with Eri.
The two boarded the Flying Nimbus once more, heading toward the Land of Water.
(End of Chapter)